They were dressed in red as a sizable contingent of Amtrak or Up I-95 cheered loudly, singing the “O” in the national anthem.
They filled the UBS Arena on Sunday afternoon, causing secondary market prices to soar and creating an atmosphere akin to a Capitals home game, particularly with every play involving Alex Ovechkin. Fans were anticipating Ovechkin achieving record-breaking goal No. 895 after he matched Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record on Friday night, aiming for history on Long Island Sunday afternoon.
Wayne Gretzky was present in the suite, along with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The coaching staff and entire front office of the Tampa Bay Lightning were also in attendance, eager to witness the milestone before their game against the Rangers on Monday at Madison Square Garden.
The goal the fans desired was scored. The Islanders prevented the Capitals fans’ celebration and introduced the name of Mark Gatcom to the visiting supporters.
Ilya Sorokin, who had never conceded a goal to his buddy Ovechkin until Sunday, allowed a power play goal at 7:26 into the second period, marking the record-breaking moment that paused the game for approximately 20 minutes.
Nevertheless, the score remained 2-1 in favor of the Islanders.
The Capitals seemed somewhat fixated on the milestone. Perhaps it would allow the Islanders to seize command of the match.
However, the balance of the game did not change following the milestone. Gatcom quickly scored his second goal just three minutes after play resumed, increasing the lead to 3-1.
Bo Horvat put the Isles ahead 1-0 at 7:06 into the game, converting Simon Holmstrom’s pass into a low slot. Just 1:54 later, Gatcom extended the lead to 2-0 from Kyle MacLean’s assist.
Meanwhile, Ovechkin found himself limited in opportunities and appeared less engaged while the Capitals were in their defensive zone.
Following the record-breaking goal, the Capitals felt a slight sense of relief, but it was the Islanders who managed to remain focused amid the moment.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored to make it 4-1 at 4:20 in the third, pushing the puck in from the right post, confirmed after review.
It’s likely too late for anything beyond a symbolic playoff push. The Islanders are almost flawless for the remainder of the season and will need assistance to stay in the playoff race.
Nonetheless, for the second consecutive game, the Islanders returned home confident in their 60-minute performance.
